Global pop star Nicole Scherzinger officially named P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia, on Thursday in a naming ceremony in Barbados.
Olly Murs also performed at the ceremony, which was held simultaneously in Arvia’s SkyDome venue and from nearby Heywood’s Beach and screened live on the line’s YouTube channel.
The event was hosted by two of the UK’s most popular broadcasters and DJs, Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson.
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With the words of “I name this ship Arvia, may God bless her and all who sail in her”, Scherzinger pulled a lever to release a specially commissioned bottle of rum, which held 15 litres of Mount Gay Black Barrel.
Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president, appeared at the event on the beach and then took a tender to appear in the SkyDome, which hosted 500 passengers for the event.
He described Arvia as “the epitome of joyful travel” and explained that spirits such as rum were traditionally used at naming ceremonies by mariners, with champagne being a more recent trend.
Mia Amor Mottley, Barbados’ prime minister, also spoke at the beachside ceremony, urging Brits: “Do yourself a favour, come and join us in the Caribbean and Barbados.”
A group of eight British travel agents were among the special guests at the event, while others took part in ‘naming watching’ celebrations in the UK.
The broadcast of the naming is available here.
More: Agents on Arvia hail ship’s multigenerational appeal
Pictures by Christopher Ison